Plain English Meaning

How the pilot actually uses the controls — which way they move them, how much, how smoothly, and when — to make the airplane do what they want.

Full Definition

The pilot's deliberate use of the flight controls — ailerons, elevator (or stabilator), and rudder — to produce a desired change in the airplane's attitude or flight path. It refers to how the pilot moves the controls: the direction, amount, smoothness, and timing of the input.

Context Anchor

Seen in maneuver descriptions and instructor comments, especially when discussing smooth, coordinated handling of the airplane.

Derivation

"Application" comes from the Latin applicare, meaning "to attach to" or "to put to use." Here it simply means putting the flight controls to use — the act of using them, not just having them.